Volunteer Requirements

Volunteer Requirements

If you’re like most people at associations, the association management profession has given you a lot. Now it’s time to give a lot back. To find out if you have the time, experience and expertise to be an Association Forum volunteer, check out our frequently asked questions:


What Makes an Effective Association Forum Volunteer? 

Volunteers should have: 

  • Knowledge relevant to the committee or working group's purpose. 
  • A dedication to furthering the Association Forum's mission. 
  • A desire to develop personal leadership expertise. 
  • A willingness to learn from others. 
  • A positive attitude and high degree of flexibility. 
  • A passion for innovation and new ideas. 
  • A commitment to volunteer-staff partnership. 

What Does the Association Forum Expect from its Volunteers? 

Volunteers must: 

  • Be an Association Forum member. 
  • Commit to participating actively in all scheduled meetings. 
  • Attend and promote events related to their group's purpose. 
  • Notify staff when they are unable to attend. 
  • Act as an ambassador for the Association Forum in the association community. 
  • Sign a conflict of interest statement and disclose any conflicts openly at the outset of meetings. 
  • Evaluate their experience at the end of their term, and expect to be evaluated by their committee or working group chair. 

What’s the Time Commitment? 

  • Committees are year-round groups with ongoing responsibilities. An estimate of meetings per year is listed for each standing committee. Committee meetings will be held virtually until it is safe to meet in-person per the State of Illinois COVID-19 guidelines.  
  • Working groups often have program-specific roles and thus typically do not meet year-round. These groups will meet one to two times maximum over a two- to three-month period. The goal is quick, efficient, effective use of volunteer time.